Wildlife commission to take part in Dixie Deer Classic, expo

RALEIGH — The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will participate in two premier outdoor shows starting this Friday at the Dixie Deer Classic at the N.C. State Fairgrounds in Raleigh.

N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission

RALEIGH — The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will participate in two premier outdoor shows starting this Friday at the Dixie Deer Classic at the N.C. State Fairgrounds in Raleigh.

On March 14-16, Wildlife Commission staff will participate in the Cape Fear Wildlife Expo, held on the riverfront in downtown Wilmington.

At the Dixie Deer Classic, one of the most popular white-tailed deer shows in the country, Commission biologists and Wildlife Enforcement Officers will answer questions about white-tailed deer, other game animals and regulations. They also will be staffing the Sensory Safari — a 22-foot trailer filled with animal mounts, pelts and skulls. Staff with the Commission’s Wildlife in North Carolina magazine will be selling 2014 wildlife calendars at a discount of $5, as well as magazine subscriptions. Attendees who purchase a 1- or 3-year magazine subscription will get a free hat.

Women who are interested in learning more about outdoor sporting activities can attend one of four “Becoming an Outdoors Woman” seminars, which will be held at 4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 28; 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday and 11:30 a.m. on Sunday. All seminars will be held in the Jim Graham Building. Attendees can register at one of the workshops for a chance to win a Remington rifle, one of two sets of outdoor clothing by Outdoor Divas, or one of two gift certificates to the annual BOW weekend workshop at the Eastern 4-H Environmental Education Center in Columbia, to be held April 11-13 — a value of $225 each.

The Dixie Deer Classic will present a “Careers in Wildlife Conservation and Education Program” tailored to middle and high school students on Friday morning. Commission educators, biologists, wildlife officers, engineers and the agency’s veterinarian will provide brief overviews of their day-to-day work responsibilities and activities and answer questions, followed by one-on-one discussions with participants. This inaugural event has been popular with area students and registration is closed.

Wildlife Commission staff also will join the N.C. Herpetological Society and N.C. Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation at a booth at the Dixie Deer Classic highlighting the conservation importance of snakes. Several live, non-venomous snakes will be on display for visitors to see and touch.

At the Cape Fear Wildlife Expo, Commission staff will have the Sensory Safari and a LaserShot simulator game for expo visitors to try, as well as a promotional display of agency services, programs and educational centers.

For more information on these two events, including times, pricing and a list of all displays, demonstrations and exhibits, visit Dixie Deer Classic or the Cape Fear Wildlife Expo.